By Eric Nicolson

A £1.65 million project for Loch Leven could double tourism and bring “colossal” economic benefits to the area, it was revealed this week.

Perth and Kinross Council have agreed to fund 50% of the maintenance costs of the path which will link 24 heritage sites around Loch Leven.

Funding will also be sought from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Neil Kilpatrick, project director of TRACKS—the rural access committee of Kinross-shire who are behind the proposed network—addressed councillors and said “we want to put Loch Leven on to the map.”

Around 100,000 people currently visit Loch Leven per year, but if the project comes to fruition there could be another 100,000 on top of that.

Mr Kilpatrick commented, “We want to see a substantial benefit for the area and if we can bring in another 100,000 visitors a year the economic benefits are obvious.

“It will be a good practical example of partnership and will help promote healthier life styles.”

Councillor Willie Robertson, who is also the chairman of TRACKS, said, “The project will be a living museum.

“The trail will change throughout the year as the seasons change.

“This has got huge community support. The level of enthusiasm about this project is phenomenal.

“It is the first thing I’ve been involved in that absolutely everyone is excited about.”

Convener of the committee, councillor Alan Livingstone, pointed out that the economic spin-off will be “colossal”.

He made a recommendation, which was endorsed, that the Scottish Executive be approached and asked if they could contribute funding.

The 24 heritage sites identified to be linked together include the loch itself, the RSPB reserve at Vane Farm, Loch Leven Castle, Kinross House and gardens, St Mary’s Knowe and St Mary’s Gate, Scotlandwell Well and the Michael Bruce museum.

The land on which most of the path would be constructed falls within the Loch Leven National Nature Reserve and is within the ownership of the Kinross Estate Company.

The company has made it clear that, after providing the land for the path at no cost, they do not wish to bear the maintenance burdens including any longer-term costs for repairs and renewals.

TRACKS therefore suggested that the cost of maintaining the path—for at least 10 years from 2008—be borne jointly by Perth and Kinross Council and Scottish Natural Heritage, who manage the nature reserve.

SNH have indicated that this approach to the future maintenance of the path would be broadly acceptable.

Some short sections of the proposed route are already maintained by the council.